Naomi Osaka’s 2025 tennis season has taken a challenging turn as the former world No. 1 has been grappling with a persistent abdominal injury that has caused her to retire from several matches. The 26-year-old, who made a highly anticipated return to the sport after taking a break for motherhood, has faced setbacks on the court, with the injury now becoming a significant hurdle in her quest to regain top form.
The injury first became apparent during Osaka’s early-round matches at the Australian Open 2025. Despite showing flashes of the skill that made her a Grand Slam champion, it became clear that something was amiss when she began to struggle with her movement and serve. After retiring from her second-round match in Melbourne, Osaka confirmed that she was dealing with an abdominal strain, which had been bothering her for some time.
In a statement after the Australian Open exit, Osaka expressed her frustration with the injury, revealing that it had been a source of ongoing discomfort. “It’s incredibly difficult because I’ve been working so hard to get back to my best after time off,” she said. “But this injury has been preventing me from playing at the level I know I can. I’m disappointed, but I need to prioritize my health right now.”
The abdominal injury, which has required Osaka to take significant time off court, has continued to impact her performances, leading to retirements in several other tournaments throughout the 2025 season. The decision to withdraw from these events has been heartbreaking for Osaka, who had hoped to build momentum after her time away from tennis. However, doctors and her coaching team have advised her to take a cautious approach to recovery, emphasizing the importance of not pushing too hard and risking further injury.
Osaka’s health woes have sparked concern among fans and experts alike, with many wondering how this setback might affect her long-term career. After an extended break following the birth of her daughter, Osaka had expressed her eagerness to return to the top of the tennis world. Yet, this injury has added an unexpected challenge to her journey.
Despite the struggles, Osaka has maintained a positive and determined outlook. She has been open about her mental health journey and her passion for the game, both of which she has said will keep her motivated during this difficult time. “I’m going to take things one step at a time, listen to my body, and come back when I’m fully ready,” she stated. “Tennis is still my love, and I’m not giving up on it.”
As the tennis world watches closely, all eyes are on Osaka’s recovery. Her resilience will undoubtedly be tested in the coming months, but if anyone can bounce back from adversity, it’s the athlete who has already overcome so much in her career. Fans are hopeful that with time and proper treatment, Naomi Osaka will return to the sport stronger than ever.
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